It's More than just about winning...

Last night at Morgan's t-ball game, I had one of those "proud to be a father" moments...really the entire game.

Morgan is on an all-girl team, the Cheetah Girls. Last night they played an all boy team called the Razorbacks. The Razorbacks came out hitting and put 5 quick runs on the board. It looked like it was going to be a long night. I think I heard a few people say, "We are not in the same league."

But, after that, the Cheetah Girls gave the Razorbacks a run for their money. They played hard the whole night before finally losing 14-12. I was really proud of every girl's effort even in losing.

Now, the "proud to be a father part." Morgan came up to bat...brought the bat back and forth eyeing the ball. Then, she took her swing and hit it toward third base. The pitcher picked up the ball and fired to first. Morgan would have beat the throw anyway, but the ball got away from the first baseman. I was coaching first base, and once the throw got away, I said..."Go, go, go, go, go!" It was like it was all in slow motion at that moment. As Morgan was heading toward second base, I saw her looking back at me. She reached second with me yelling..."Go on! Go on! Go on! Morgan rounded second and headed to third. The Razorbacks threw the ball to their third baseman...it got away...With a slight delay Morgan then headed toward home! In a foot race she was safe! Safe at the plate! She rounded the bases. A "t-ball" Homerun! Holy Cow! How big did my head swell?

Angel Ciesla told my wife that I would be able to live off of that for a long time! You know, she is right! I was proud of Morgan, but I was also proud for every girl on that team last night. Last night every girl played their hearts out against probably a more superior team.

Sure they did not win the game, but it's more than just about winning.

My Visit to St. Louis...

My brother and I left Northwest Arkansas at 6 a.m. Saturday and made our way to St. Louis to see the Cardinals. Mark ran into someone at the gas station that sold us some tickets for the Saturday game...padded seats mind you. We already had tickets for Sunday's game thanks to the generosity of my wife Kelley, but we wanted to take in another game while we were there.

The first game the Cardinals blanked the Royals 5 to 0. The second game...not so lucky. I believe the Royals won 3-2. I tend to forget the score when the Cardinals lose. We had good seats for both games.

We met an interesting character attending the Sunday game. Mr. Six with Six Flags was there. He has a very interesting dance and entertained the fans.

My Birthday Present...

This weekend my brother and I are going to St. Louis. We are going to see our beloved Cardinals play the Kansas City Royals at Busch Stadium. This is my birthday present Kelley gave me...two tickets to see a Cardinals game.

When Kelley gave me the tickets she kept saying, "Now, I do not want to go. I want you to ask your brother if he will go with you." Well, I was not about to fall for this "trick." I guess I asked Kelley if she was sure she did not want to go about a million times before I asked my brother to go. Thank you Kelley for the great gift!!!

I know many of you are doing things during the Memorial Day weekend. I pray that everyone of you be safe in all you do!

Happy Birthday Lizzie Kate!!!!

Today is a very special day...it is Lizzie Kate's birthday. Lizzie Kate is now 4 years old. It is hard to believe that she is already 4. She has been a tough little girl growing up. She like Morgan, has my heart. I love them like any good father would love his children. I have been blessed.

Kelley took some cupcakes and treat bags to Lizzie Kate's daycare, and they had a little party. Lizzie Kate has been wanting those cupcakes all morning.


So, Happy Birthday Lizzie Kate!!! I love you!!!

I had fun at the "Minor '09er!"

This weekend our family attended a reunion on top of Mt. Magazine, which was dubbed "The Minor '09er. This was on Mom's side of the family. I would estimate we had 100 or more people that attended. It was really great seeing everyone! I saw people I bet that I had not seen in over 30 years.

Colleen Dow did a great job on the "Memory Books." Gary and Alan Davis were the cooks for the event. Great job guys! I loved that brisket.

Now, let me just say everything is top notch at Mt. Magazine State Park. The views are out of this world. We decided to spend the night in the lodge since my sisters and brother decided to do so. The rooms are very spacious, and again the views. The lodge has an indoor swimming pool and we made good use of it. The restaurant was a little slow, but I think it is because of the number of people we threw at them. The food was good. We were hungry and glad that it finally appeared. While we were eating, I noticed a rainbow had appeared outside. I think everyone in the restaurant went outside to take a picture. That was the highlight of the dinner.



Sunday, the weather turned out great! We had to check out the views one more time before we left. I think Morgan wanted to stop at every overlook on our way home. The weather allowed us to have the the best view possible.












For those that like to take day trips, I would say that Mt. Magazine State Park is worth the drive. You just get a peaceful feeling up there.

E.T. Revisited, 27 Years Later...

Last night was a typical night. Lizzie Kate, our resident "night owl", wanted to stay up and watch a little TV before going to bed. Surfing through the channels as I often do, I noticed we were getting HBO for some reason. The classic "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" was showing. I pushed the "Info" button to see when the movie was made - 1982! I could not believe it had been 27 years since we first saw that lovable space alien phone home, and say the words, "Ell-i-ot" and "Ouuuuccchhh".

Anyway, Lizzie Kate was glued to the television and asking all kinds of questions. "Are his fingers dirty?" "Is he (E.T.) chocolate?" There were more, and I was laughing hysterically inside. Lizzie Kate kept watching until she finally fell asleep.

This morning she woke up and the first thing wanted to watch E.T.! When I told her I did not have it, she started crying, saying..."I want to watch E.T.! I want to watch E.T.!" Well, I may be cruising for a bruising, but I bought the movie today.

Look for our household to be watching E.T. many times in the days to come!

The Day my Dad went to Heaven...

May 8, 2009, marks eight years since my dad left this earth and went to Heaven. On reflection, this is a bittersweet day. I miss him being here with us, but I know he is in a much better place. A place where there is no more pain, and no more sorrow. My dad is in a place he preached about for so many years. I bet Heaven is even better than he imagined!

I never do forget this date, but I will have to admit it did slip up on me a little this year. This morning I had just dropped Morgan off at her school, when I heard the song "Finally Home" by Mercy Me come on the radio. When I heard the lyrics...it hit me...today was May 8th. The lyrics start like this:

I’m gonna wrap my arms around my daddy’s neck

And tell him that I’ve missed him.

And tell him all about the man that I became

And hope that it pleased him

There’s so much I want to say

There’s so much I want you to know

Chorus:

When I finally make it home

When I finally make it home

My dad lived his life for the Lord. What a Man of God he was! I wish he was here, but then again why would I want to wish him out of Heaven? I think I will have some Mexican food sometime today. That was one of his favorites!